Fifth annual Extravagant Cookout for the Homeless in New Haven needs donations

Published 11:34 pm, Thursday, September 22, 2016

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Nuns help serve food at the 2015 Extravagant Cookout for the Homeless in New Haven.

Nuns help serve food at the 2015 Extravagant Cookout for the Homeless in New Haven.

Photo: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Fifth annual Extravagant Cookout for the Homeless in New Haven needs donations

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NEW HAVEN >> Jesse “JHOP” Hardy’s 5th annual Extravagant Cookout for the Homeless will be held Saturday by the grace of generous donations, but Hardy said he’s still in need of more donations because the mission has expanded this year to include all those in need, not just the homeless — and he wants a little something extra to give the children a memorable time.

In particular, Hardy is hoping for donations last-minute this week to support a Kidz Korner of activities that is like a carnival, including a moon bounce, face painting, reading sessions, characters in costume and other activities. At the special section for children, they’ll also be able “shop” for their own slightly used toys and clothes.

Without additional monetary donations, the children’s carnival may not be possible, he said.

“Some kids aren’t eating much except for the food they get in school,” he said. “We want to fill their stomachs really good for a day,” and show them some fun.

Hardy, once homeless himself, is so dedicated to helping the homeless that he holds events such as giveaways, free haircut days throughout the year and even has been known to give people the shoes off his feet and the clothes off his back.

The “extravagant” cookout — named such because the food will include pulled pork, deep-fried turkey, chicken, fish and side dishes, desserts and beverages, will be held in Scantelbury Park, 139 Ashmun St. from noon to 5 p.m. All in need are welcome.

There will also be tables upon tables of free items, information for help and racks of clothes and toys. Children will be able to “shop” themselves and parents can shop while the kids are entertained.

The annual cookout is his way of helping the homeless and disadvantaged usher in and stock up for winter. He is also taking the occasion to honor his fourth-grade teacher at Winchester School, Yvonne Jones, who Hardy said changed his life for the better for never giving up on him.

Hardy said the community has been generous and he noted a large monetary donation given by construction company magnate and philanthropist Curtis D. Robinson and his wife, Sheila, of the Hartford area.

Robinson, founder of the Center for Health Equity that bears his name at St. Francis Hospital, and has an amazing background story, said “the end of the day, money won’t mean anything,” if he doesn’t share it for a good cause.

“I was lucky. It’s just so hard for me to see people who don’t have what they need,” and he said “God’s not going to ask what you had, but “what you gave back.”

Hardy said he also received three gas grills, three charcoal grills, 10 electrical cords and charcoal from Lowe’s of Milford.

Anyone who wants to donate gently used clothes, shoes or toiletries can do so by bringing them to Dixwell Self Storage at 1315 Dixwell Ave. Monetary donations can be sent to First Niagra Bank c/o Orlando Marquez. Checks must be made out to Jesse’s Homeless Outreach Project and marked for the cookout. Hardy can be reached at 203-821-1957.